Toyota updates GR86, adds Limited Edition
Toyota Australia has announced an updated GR86 is coming, with a Limited Edition variant to join it. Both are expected to land in Toyota dealerships before the end of this year.
Upgrades start with revision of the shock absorbers in the GR86’s fully-independent suspension to improve damping rates, while the electric power steering has been retuned to provide improved feel at higher speeds. On GR86s with the six-speed manual transmission, engine and throttle control systems have been tweaked to provide more direct response to accelerator pedal input. On versions with the six-speed automatic, engine speed tolerance during downshifting has been broadened, supported by a wider torque band.
The result, says Toyota, is greater response and feel from the suspension and steering, making the GR86 even more dynamic to drive, especially on track days.
Engine output remains unchanged, with 174kW and 250Nm for the 2.4-litre Boxer four-cylinder.
“Since launching the new GR86 in 2022, it has proven a popular choice for those enthusiast drivers looking for affordable performance with plenty of street presence and style,” said Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley.
“This fine tuning raises the bar even further, with improved dynamic performance for those who wish to truly push the limits in track days and motorsport activities.”
GR86 Limited Edition
The upcoming GR86 Limited Edition is based on the top-spec GTS and appears to be identical to the ‘Hakone Edition’ that is about to be released in the North American market.
“For those looking for an even more exclusive GR86, the new Limited Edition is a standout with its exclusive exterior colour, wheels and interior trim, and high-performance suspension and brake package,” Hanley said.
The Limited Edition comes with the Dynamic Performance Pack (normally a $2,200 option) that adds ZF Sachs sports dampers and Brembo brakes. The dampers’ performance alters according to speed, meaning the suspension is comfortable for everyday driving, but gets firmer at higher speeds, resulting in more agile handling when “sports driving”. The Brembo brakes in this pack consist of four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers; an upgrade on the GR86 GTS’s standard two-piston front and single-piston rear calipers.
Forest Shadow paint is exclusive to the Limited Edition, with this satin green finish complemented with bronze 18-inch alloy wheels. The Brembo brake calipers are highlighted in red.
Inside, Ultrasuede and leather-accented upholstery on the seats is finished in black with tan accents. Tan contrast stitching features on the black leather door trims and boots for the gear lever and hand brake, with Limited Edition identification on the upper door cards.
Q4 Arrival
Both the updated GR86 and GR86 Limited Edition are due for Australian release in Q4, 2024, as 2025 models. Only 86 units of the Limited Edition will be released here.
Pricing had not been revealed for either of the upcoming arrivals at time of writing, but the Limited Edition will come at a premium, while the standard version is expected to be pricier than the current GR86, which starts at $43,240 for the GT and $45,390 for the GTS (plus on-road costs).
The arrival of the second-generation GR86 (nee 86) in 2022 saw a marked increase in pricing that wasn’t applied to its Subaru BRZ sibling. As such, the BRZ outsold the GR86 last year and has almost doubled the Toyota’s sales in the first six months of 2024.
